Sabbatical + Lab
We are on a mission to make great products and never stop endeavoring to make them better. The “lab” is an ethos as we continuously experiment, learn and create with precision. Using solar powered stills, advanced controls and constant experimentation, our goal is to provide only the purest, most interesting products out there.
Good Science = Good Drinks
At Sabbatical we question the status quo and test to see if it could be better. Every detail that could be tinkered with, has been tinkered with until we get it right. We’re perfectionists at work blending the art with the science.
Solar powered electric stills harness the sunny California days and give us full control of distillation processes for consistently premium quality. Precise cuts create a cleaner product that keeps the flavors we want and strips out the lower quality alcohols that can lead to a rough day after.
The details matter. Every step has been tested and perfected before we bottle our spirits. We practice slow proofing and marrying by gradual introducing the contents of one barrel to another, adding time for them get to know each other before moving to the next step. This creates smoother and more cohesive end products. “Engineered” blending also gives us a greater pallete of flavors to draw from with individual distillations and recipes joining together to become something greater. Something intentional.
The lab is our place to take farm-harvested ingredients and turn them into something different. Curiosity leads to the next experiment. Welcome to the Sabbatical Lab.
Notes from the Lab
We invite you along for the journey as we try, fail, perfect and push the limits of what a craft distillery can be
Port Cask Finished Bourbon Batch No. 5 Launch, with help from some friends..
Video: behind the scenes look at our latest limited release whiskey, Port Cask Finished Straight Bourbon, Batch No. 5. Filmed on-site at Sabbatical with friends featuring plenty of whiskey debate, tasting notes and good times.
First Ever Single Barrel Bourbon Release
Introducing: Sabbatical Single Barrel Straight Bourbon Pick, bottled at Barrel Strength…
Harvest Series Returns with the release of “Farm Schnapps” Blueberry Brandy
Introuducing: Farm Schnapps Blueberry Brandy! Our latest “Harvest Series” experimental spirit was years in the making using estate-grown Victoria Island Farms Blueberries harvested, fermented & distilled during the 2022 summer blueberry season.
Press Spotlight: “Delta Neat” / Inside Sacramento
Sabbatical Featured in Inside Sacramento’s July 2024 Issue: Delta Neat
Farm to Fork by Gabrielle Meyers: Island distillery thrives on home-grown ingredients
At Victoria Island Farms and Sabbatical Distillery & Tasting Room, where Delta crops have grown since 1964, farm to fork blossoms into distilled spirits…
Blackberry Smash Gin Cocktail Recipe
Fresh fruit and this bright botanical gin are the stars of a refreshing local-grown cocktail
Local distillery wins global recognition / The Press
Local distillery wins global recognition…
“The fact we don’t come from this industry could be a positive,” Leonard said. “We’re probably going to try some things someone else might not.”
However, this did not stop the friends from college from taking home a pair of awards in this year’s San Francisco World Spirits Competition: a Double Gold Medal for their “flagship” Blended Whiskey and a Gold Medal for their Port Cask Finished Straight Bourbon.
Summer Spritzer Cocktail Recipe
How to make the perfect summertime refreshing cocktail with Sabbatical’s farm-grown flavored vodka…
Sabbatical Wins Double Gold & Gold Medal Honors at the 2024 San Francisco World Spirits Competition
Top honors for Sabbatical Whiskey at the 2024 San Francisco World Spirits Competition
Club Sabbatical / Summer 2024
Local Grown in the California Delta
Check out Sabbatical on the cover of the 2024 “Delta Life” Magazine! The annual issues spotlights the best things to do, see, enjoy and explore across the bountiful Northern California Bay Delta region that our distillery and farm call home.
Club Sabbatical. Winter/Spring 2024
Batch No. 1: Cognac Cask Finished Straight Bourbon
How to make a Sabbatical Bourbon Honey Old Fashioned
Cocktail Recipe: The Sabbatical Bourbon Honey Old Fashioned
Club Sabbatical, Holiday 2023
Press Spotlight: “Take a Sabbatical…”
Sabbatical Distillery Makes Good Booze…
Sabbatical Distillery: Innovative Craft Distilling on the Farm / Herlife Magazine
Sabbatical Distillery: Innovative Craft Distilling on the Farm
By Mary Raffetto for Herlife Magazine
Take a break at Sabbatical Distillery: 209 Magazine
Take a break at Sabbatical Distillery: local business spotlight from 209 magazine…
Introducing an all-new American Single Malt Whiskey
Blueberry. Lemon. Vodka. Enjoy
Creating a new California farm fresh spirit with estate-grown blueberries & lemons on Victoria Island.
Island Amaro, a bitter spirit with real farm roots
What is an Amaro? Why (Island) Amaro? How to Amaro?
Cocktails!